Koh Chang Beaches

Nearly all of the beaches on Koh Chang are spread along the west coast, and each one has its own unique identity. Luckily, all the beaches are quite close together and can be easily reached by scooter or taxi, so it’s possible to beach hop till you find the perfect one for you!

Southwest of Koh Chang

In the southwest, the three main beaches are Khlong Son, White Sand and Pearl Beach.

Khlong Son Beach

The closest beach to the ferry port is Khlong Son. The beach is about 1km long, with shallow water and some beautiful views across the bay. It’s worth noting that the entire beachfront here is owned by a property developer. There is quite a lot of development planned for this area, but at the moment, its location is very convenient and there is quite a lot to explore in Khlong Son town itself, including a fishing village and a nice waterfall.

This is a good beach to visit if you just want to stop off for a short time after exploring the surrounding area.

White Sand Beach – Hat Sai Khao

The next beach along is White Sand Beach, which is by far the most tourist oriented of all the beaches on Koh Chang. However, even though it can get very busy, it is by far the best beach on the island, especially at the northern end.

Its location is also very convenient as there are lots of restaurants, resorts and shops in the area.

This beach is perfect for families and for people who don’t like walking very far! You probably won’t like it here if you are seeking a bit more adventure or some tranquillity.

Pearl Beach – Hai Kai Mook

Next door to White Sand Beach is Pearl beach, which is not a great choice for sunbathing, as the beach is mostly rocks and shingle. But it does have some great snorkelling spots just offshore, so it’s definitely worth a visit.

The surrounding area is much more relaxed too, and its location makes it a great base for exploring the rest of the island.

West – Centre of Koh Chang

In the middle of the west coast, the main beaches are Klong Prao, Kai Bae, and Lonely Beach.

Khlong Prao

Khlong Prao can be split into a north and south area, which are complete polar opposites.

The north beach is lined by lots of high-end resorts, and lots of restaurants and bars. It is slowly getting a bit of a reputation for being a bit seedy, and has been compared to Thailand’s Phuket.

The south on the other hand is **very quiet, and a great place to find cheap bungalows and Thai food. There are also a few of the islands most luxurious resorts here.

The beach itself is OK, but in the rainy season a lot of debris washes up.

Kai Bae Beach

Kai Bae beach is also much better at the southern end, and is probably the best choice for families. There are a few decent resorts here, nice restaurants, shops and bars. It’s not as developed as White Sand Beach, but still has enough going on to keep everyone entertained.

The nightlife is also pretty good, with a few cocktail and beer bars at the northern end.

Lonely Beach

Next to Kai Bae is Lonely Beach, a small but beautiful beach that is popular with backpackers and budget travellers. The cheap accommodation and restaurants in the area attract younger crowds who have come to the island to relax, but also to have a good time.

Lonely Beach has become pretty well known for its lively nightlife, with parties every day of the week and plenty of cheap and cheerful bars. If you are in your twenties, you will surely have a great time there, although in rainy season it can be a bit on the quieter side.

The beach itself is nice but can be crowded, and there are some good little cafes and a massage place along the beachfront. We had a full Thai massage while looking out over the ocean, followed by a fresh coconut for breakfast – paradise!

Bang Bao

The last beach on the west coast is Bang Bao, a long beach with a relaxed atmosphere. There are only a handful of places to stay, and there is a sense of peacefulness here in the evening.

Bang Bao town itself is famous for its seafood restaurants on the pier, and a small part of the beach (Hat Sai Noi) has become a hippy hangout with a few bars and a weekly party. This is a good base for people who want to go diving or on boat trips, as the boats leave out of Bang Bao town, from the main pier.

Southern part of the island

If you are after some piece and quiet, check the southern bay part of the island.

Long Beach at Salakhhet Bay

If you really want to escape the crowds, then the isolated Long Beach in Salakphet Bay is an excellent choice. This is really only one for the adventurers, as it’s not easy to get to and can only be reached on a small dirt track by motorbike or pick-up truck.

If you are up for it, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous natural beach, and stunning views of offshore islands. The main accommodation is simple bungalows, there is limited electricity and mobile signal is poor. This really is only for those happy with total solitude!

Nearby, Salakphet Bay is a glorious mixture of mangrove forests, mountains and waterfalls. It’s a very special part of the island, and totally worth the journey!